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The effect of fasting on cerebral venous and dural sinus thrombosis

Mohammad Saadatnia1, Mohammad Zare, Farzad Fatehi

  • 1Department of Neurology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81744, Iran. saadatnia@med.mui.ac.ir

Neurological Research
|September 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Fasting, particularly during Ramadan, was associated with a higher incidence of cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis. Susceptible individuals may face increased risks, warranting further investigation into this fasting-related health concern.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare but serious condition.
  • The impact of fasting on CVST incidence is not well-established.
  • Previous studies suggest fasting may not increase arterial stroke risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between fasting periods and the occurrence of cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis.
  • To compare the frequency of CVST during fasting months versus non-fasting months.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of 162 patients with CVST from 2001-2006 in Isfahan.
  • Patients were categorized into two groups: onset during fasting (n=33) and onset during non-fasting months (n=129).
  • Analysis included monthly case counts, age, gender, and distribution of CVST cases.

Main Results:

  • The mean number of CVST diagnoses during fasting months (5.5) was significantly higher than during non-fasting months (1.95).
  • A statistically significant increase in CVST events was observed during Ramadan compared to other months (p=0.000).

Conclusions:

  • Fasting appears to increase the frequency of cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis.
  • This finding contrasts with studies on arterial stroke and requires further research.
  • Individuals with hypercoagulable states or on oral contraceptives may be at higher risk during fasting.
Abstract

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